The consequences of violating probation can be quite severe. You can be fined, get sent to rehab, have the duration of your probation extended, or even have your probation revoked and get sent to (or back to) jail. It’s a big deal! That’s why it is so important to mind your p’s and q’s when you’re on probation. Unfortunately, some people find themselves in a lot of trouble for violating their probation when they weren’t even aware that they were doing so. It is important to know the ins and outs of the conditions of your probation so you don’t violate it unknowingly. Read on to learn about some of the common ways people unknowingly violate their probation.

Missing a meeting with your probation officers.

If you’re not the kind of person who keeps track of all of their obligations in a planner or calendar, it can be easy to forget about a meeting if it is scheduled a while in advance and no one reminds you about it. But when it comes to a meeting with your probation officer, forgetting or losing track of time is no excuse. It is absolutely essential to be present and on time for any meeting you have scheduled with your probation officer.

Failing to be employed or enrolled in school, or failing to complete your community service.

There’s nothing illegal about being lazy, right? Think again! The terms of your probation may include an employment or educational requirement. It is also possible that they could include a community service obligation. If you are not participating in these activities as mandated by your probation, it could mean trouble. Be familiar with what exactly your probation requires of you so you don’t accidentally fail to fulfill the requirements out of simple laziness.

Communicating with the wrong people.

Did the terms of your probation forbid you from associating with certain people? It can be easy to fall back into old habits, and assume you won’t be caught or it doesn’t matter, but these kinds of terms are taken very seriously.

Going to the wrong places.

Sometimes probation terms include travel restrictions. If this is the case, you can get in trouble for going on vacation too far away. It is also possible that your probation terms forbid you from returning to certain places associated with your crime. Make sure you don’t find yourself in these places or even too close to them!

Who can help me if I have been accused of violating my probation?

If you’re dealing with charges of violating your probation or any other criminal law matter, Bobby Dale Barina, Attorney At Law is here to help. Give us a call at 254-323-5506 and we’ll schedule a time to discuss your situation.